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What parents need to know

Positive messages

Although there's plenty of iffy behavior on display in every episode of this unflinchingly realistic series (much of it without serious consequence), it's clear that the characters care about each other and are close and loyal friends.

Positive role models

The teens on this show regularly engage in behavior that would horrify most parents -- from drinking and having sex to throwing raucous parties. That said, the characters are a realistic, diverse bunch.

Violence

Arguments sometimes break out among the teens, which result in the occasional punch, kick, or food fight.

Sex

Having sex and losing virginity are frequent topics of discussion. Various simulated sex acts are visible, though nudity is limited. Partial male and female nudity (buttocks and breasts are visible; painted images of female genitals are sometimes shown). Words like "p---y" and "dick" are used frequently. Tony calls Michelle "Nips" after seeing her breasts.

Language

Lots of strong language, ranging from "t-ts" and "bitch" to "s--t" (unbleeped). The word "f--k" is muted out for U.S. broadcast.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drinking, drugs, & smoking

Frequent cigarette smoking (which is common on British television), drinking (the legal age is lower in Britain), and drug use -- including prescription pills and marijuana (referred to as "spliff" and "skunk").

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that although this British series focuses on the lives of a group of upper middle-class teens, the show's content is controversial and decidedly adult. Both teens and adults engage in various simulated sexual acts, drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, and deal and use prescription drugs and marijuana; most don't suffer too many consequences for their iffy behavior. Expect plenty of talk about sex and virginity, partial male and female nudity (some is blurred out), and lots of profanity (words like "t-ts" and "s--t" are audible, while "f--k" is muted). The series also touches on some serious subjects, like anorexia and peer pressure.

User reviews

Parents say

Kids say

What's the story?

SKINS is a controversial British dramedy about eight teen friends growing up in Bristol, England. Mike Bailey stars as Sid, a nerdy-but-fun guy who looks up to his rather arrogant friend Tony (Nicholas Hoult). He's dating the more experienced Michelle (April Pearson), who introduces them both to her troubled friend Cassie (Hannah Murray). The rest of the ensemble is rounded out by their friend Chris (Joe Dempsie), over-achiever Jal (Larissa Wilson), tap-dancing Maxxie (Mitch Hewer), and the semi-religious Anwar (Dev Patel); occasionally Abigail (Georgina Moffat) and Sid's rebellious younger sister Effy (Kaya Scodelario) join the fray as well. Together the teens are forging through their final years of adolescence, having all kinds of (mis)adventures along the way.

Is it any good?

QUALITY

Skins is an unflinching look at the complicated world of an upper-middle class British teenager's life. Each episode focuses on a single character and explores some of the issues that teens face as they approach adulthood -- like coping with intense peer pressure and dealing with feelings of inadequacy, abandonment, and betrayal. But in order to appreciate these themes, viewers must be able to look beyond the risky behavior that some of the young characters engage in. From sex to drug use, these activities are presented as both expected and accepted parts of their daily lives -- and most of them have few consequences. As a result, it's sometimes hard to tell whether the teens' actions complement the deeper and more meaningful storylines or are included gratuitously to entice would-be audiences. It also leaves you wondering whether you should be rooting for them or wishing that they'd get caught and ultimately learn some important lessons about growing up

Obviously, the show's mature content rules it out for kids and makes it pretty iffy even for teens. But for mature viewers, the series does offer well-written, often funny entertainment. Though not always likable, the characters are well developed and emotionally genuine. The storylines also cleverly blend the lives of various adult characters into the ongoing teen narratives, which often makes what some of these teens are going through more poignant, funny, and/or disturbing. And throughout it all, the teens characters remain close and loyal. If you're comfortable with (or can look beyond) the stronger content, this British import's focus on friendship certainly has something to say.

Families can talk about...

Families can talk about whether it's OK to show teen sex, drinking, and drug use on television. Do shows like this present a realistic view of teen life, or is anything exaggerated for entertainment? What would the real-life consequences of the characters' behavior be?

Aside from the accent, what sets British series apart from their American counterparts? Why is some content (swearing, nudity, smoking) more accepted in other countries?

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A great show for older teens.

For anyone under 15, this show really isn't something to watch, but for those of us who are old enough to understand the messages as well as relate, on some level, to the characters and situations, it's great. I love this show and I believe it's something that teens should watch, as long as they don't take it to heart that they have to party and do illegal things to be cool or anything because that's definitely not the message. Sure there's a lot of swearing (come on, they're British) and sex and drugs but that's what makes the show so great: it's really realistic and original and not all fake (cough, Disney channel, cough). It deals with some real life situations that, though they may not be common, have pretty universal themes... and it offers solutions to these problems that should be taken with a grain of salt. Often, the characters make bad and frankly stupid choices, but it makes viewers realise what should've been done or at least think of alternative actions. Oh, and I think that for all its entertainment (I mean, it's better to watch other teens screw up their lives than to live those problems), the show might actually be beneficial. At least, for me it helped me understand myself better... Effy's depression and breakdown in the fourth series made me realise that I was severely depressed (and in denial) and was literally the reason I sought out help on my own. So for parents who won't let their teens (especially those at least 15) watch Skins, I highly suggest reconsidering your policy if you want to be open-minded towards your sons/daughters... and for my peers, if you saw the American version and then learnt about this one, I definitely say watch it because it's way better, and if you're just iffy about the show, I also say to watch it (unless you have moral issues with what you've seen/read) because you might learn a bit more about life.

Watch it with your kids!

Skins UK is an incredible show and has the potential to be very educational. Yes, there are a lot of heavy themes. No, these are not the kind of kids you would want your child to hang out with. However, beyond the setting, there are some powerful messages that you sometimes just can't get with squeaky-clean shows. Skins is real and any viewer can relate to at least one character. If you watch Skins with your kid and talk about some of the themes, you may be able to become closer with them and educate them in a way that's more than just saying, "don't have sex and don't do drugs." It may be a bit mature, and you may think I'm crazy, but parents who think they know everything about their child, don't even know 1/1000 of what they do. Catch your kid early and show them what's out there and how to make good choices. Absolutely do not let your kid watch this without you present, though!

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